Which legal principle requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant based on probable cause?

The principle that requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant based on probable cause is grounded in the Fourth Amendment. This amendment protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures, ensuring that any warrants issued are based on a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed and that evidence will be found in the location specified in the warrant. This legal foundation is crucial in upholding the rights of individuals and maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

The Fourth Amendment's clear stipulation that warrants must be supported by probable cause reinforces the necessity for law enforcement to justify their actions to a neutral party, typically a judge. This system of checks ensures accountability and protects citizens from arbitrary governmental intrusion into their privacy and personal freedoms.

In contrast, the Fifth Amendment primarily addresses issues related to self-incrimination and due process; the Exclusionary Rule pertains to preventing illegally obtained evidence from being used in court; and Miranda Rights are concerned with informing individuals of their rights during custodial interrogations. While these concepts are essential in the realm of law enforcement and legal protections, they do not specifically mandate the necessity of obtaining a warrant based on probable cause, which is the fundamental requirement established by the Fourth Amendment.